title: Treatment of graft-versus-host disease with naturally occurring T regulatory cells.
abstract: A significant body of evidence suggests that treatment with naturally occurring CD4(+)CD25(+) T regulatory cells (Tregs) is an appropriate therapy for graft-versus-host disease (GvHD). GvHD is a major complication of bone marrow transplantation in which the transplanted immune system recognizes recipient tissues as a non-self and destroys them. In many cases, this condition significantly deteriorates the quality of life of the affected patients. It is also one of the most important causes of death after bone marrow transplantation. Tregs constitute a population responsible for dominant tolerance to self-tissues in the immune system. These cells prevent autoimmune and allergic reactions and decrease the risk of rejection of allotransplants. For these reasons, Tregs are considered as a cellular drug in GvHD. The results of the first clinical trials with these cells are already available. In this review we present important experimental facts which led to the clinical use of Tregs. We then critically evaluate specific requirements for Treg therapy in GvHD and therapies with Tregs currently under clinical investigation, including our experience and future perspectives on this kind of cellular treatment.
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical Immunology and Transplantology, Medical University of Gdańsk, Ul. Dębinki 1, 80-211, Gdańsk, Poland, ptrzon@gumed.edu.pl.
authors.forename: Piotr
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Trzonkowski
authors.forename: Anna
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Dukat-Mazurek
authors.forename: Maria
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Bieniaszewska
authors.forename: Natalia
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Marek-Trzonkowska
authors.forename: Anita
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Dobyszuk
authors.forename: Jolanta
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Juścińska
authors.forename: Magdalena
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Dutka
authors.forename: Jolanta
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Myśliwska
authors.forename: Andrzej
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Hellmann
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D016026:Bone Marrow Transplantation / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000379:methods; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D006086:Graft vs Host Disease / Q000276:immunology / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D007108:Immune Tolerance; D011788:Quality of Life; D050378:T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory / Q000276:immunology / Q000637:transplantation*